EARLY BEGINNINGS

1980s >

The Jewish community, led by Rabbi Shlomo Gruskin, recognized a need for residential services for adults with mental health challenges

1984 >

Rabbi Shlomo Gruskin established Kadima with support of community activists and philanthropists

Janet Aronoff elected as first board president

1986 >

First Kadima home purchased honoring Rabbi Gruskin

1989 >

Supported employment programs launched with JVS/MRS (later transitioned to a volunteer program)

1991 >

Clinical and outreach programs began, expanding the scope of care

State Mental Hospital closures began (six state adult hospitals and five state children’s hospital closed between 1991-1997)

1993 >

Kadima hosts its first educational conference for mental health professionals

1994 >

First Kadima camp was held

ADDING MORE HOMES

1995 >

The Supported housing services expanded to provide lower levels of care for individuals able to live in more independent settings

1996 >

Person-centered planning process became a Michigan Mental Health Code requirement to ensure that individuals could direct the process of planning their mental health supports as competent people who have strengths, can express a preference and make choices

1996 >

Pitt House and Daniel B. Sobel House opened

1998 >

William Howard Home and Natalie and Manny Charach Home opened

Michigan moved to a prepaid health care model

1999 >

Michael R. and Neil I. Wilson Home opened

In Olmstead v. L.C. the U.S. Supreme Court held that, under the American with Disabilities Act, people with mental disabilities have the right to live in the community, rather than in institutions

Capital campaign launched to purchase and renovate future building for Kadima

BREAKING STIGMA

2001 >

Henrietta and Herbert Charfoos Building dedicated, becoming administrative headquarters for Kadima

Julius A. Schechter Home opened

2002 >

Kraus Home, Pitt II Home and Ravitz Home opened

First Kadima Golf Classic held
(later renamed Kadima Lois Zussman Golf Classic)

2003 >

Nancy and Stephen Grand Home and Sherman Home opened

2005 >

Center for Prismer Health and Human Rights reported that more than one-fifth of the people in prisons have a serious mental illness

Jerome Home opened

Lois and Milton Y. Zussman Activity Center opened, providing a welcoming community space for learning and socialization

Katz Home opened

2007 >

Sarah and Irving Pitt III Home and Norman and Ann Katz Home opened

ENGAGING MEMBERS

2008 >

Edwards Weintrob Home opened and Miya Jo Must Home opened

2009 >

First Commission on Accreditation of Residential Facilities (CARF) accreditation completed

Berkshire Home opened

2011 >

National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey reported that six percent of all emergency department patients had a psychiatric condition

2012 >

Lublin House and Jay and Marianne Victor Home opened

2014 >

Volunteer Program started to give the people Kadima serves opportunities to contribute their time and skills to support other community agencies

2015 >

Integrated Care Program launched to enhance coordination of psychiatric and medical care, provide health and wellness education, and conduct regular health screenings for individuals served

Kadima’s Community Garden was created

BUILDING COMMUNITY

2016 >

Creative Expressions Program began, offering a wide spectrum of creative and cultural activities in partnership with the DSO, College for Creative Studies and other visual and performing arts groups

First Bright Nights Community Forum on Bipolar Disorder held in partnership with the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program at the UM Depression Center

2018 >

Jeffrey Charach Condos opened

Legacy Society established for people to make a planned gift and provide support for Kadima in years to come

Tyler Howard Mini Golf Classic began, supporting services for individuals with mental health challenges and suicide prevention activities

2019 >

Zussman Activity Center reopened following a six-month closure after flood damage, with new features that include hydroponic garden, updated kitchen, snack shop, exercise room and new media equipment and lockers

College planning project launched to research mental health service needs for young adults on college campuses

2020 >

The COVID 19 pandemic impacted services in every way. The Agency created protocols to keep people served and staff safe by sanitizing homes and cars, ordering PPE for everyone and closing in-person programming. All enrichment and therapy programs went virtual as well as fundraising events. For the first time, the Lois Zussman Golf Classic was cancelled, but we still raised most of the funds thanks to the very generous donors who support this event, and the Zussman Activity Center.

An exploration process took place to determined the feasibility and benefit of combining Kadima with other local Jewish agencies.